Busy tourist bees are on a sightseeing tour in New York City. First stop was Little Italy on May 31st. They left rather disappointed and some could be overheard complaining that there was very little Italian authenticity left in Little Italy. On June 13th they visited Chinatown, again they left in a whim, this time complaining that smaller stores like Industrial Plastics had been replaced by corporate behemoths like Bank of America. They were not at all pleased, may I tell you, not at all! The leader of the gang 'Ice-B' pronounced that there next visit would be Mr. Bloomberg's office at Gracie Mansion. When Ice-B was told he would take a huge risk to enter NYC for a 3rd time, he said that he would seek an end to bee-term-limits within the Borough of Manhattan, with total disregard of the laws and regulations set by his constituents.

June 13th 2011:

Some 15,000 bees cover a light fixture on Mott Street in Chinatown on June 13th 2011 (Jefferson Siegel for News).

A Chinatown street was abuzz Monday with news of a strange sort - thousands of bees descended on a block and forced the NYPD to divert traffic.

The swarm of some 15,000 bees was finally captured by an NYPD beekeeper around 5 p.m. after it perched on a streetlight. The incident took place on Mott St. between Bayard and Pell streets.

It is the latest in a spate of bee swarms to visit the city.

Two weeks ago, some bees swarmed a mailbox on Grand Street in Little Italy, DNAinfo reports. And a few days later, another swarm buzzed around a fire escape in Washington Heights.

Beekeepers collect a swarm of bees from a postal box on the corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets Tuesday on May 31sr 2011. (DNAinfo/Patrick Hedlund)

Invasion of the Killer Bees. This could only happen in New York. The bees are having a difficult time, but you wouldn't know this if you were in Little Italy today. A giant swarm of bees inundated a mail box on a Little Italy street corner Tuesday, closing down the sidewalk for hours and drawing dozens of curious onlookers.

Hundreds of bees attached themselves to the side of a mailbox at the corner of Mulberry and Grand Streets around noon Tuesday, forcing the NYPD to close off a portion of the sidewalk and post officers to keep an eye on things until the bees could be safely removed.

"It's like a movie scene. It's pretty cool, I kind of wish there were more," said Mike Costabile, 25, who works nearby and was out getting coffee. "I want to see all these people standing out here and the queen move again."

The box, which was located directly in front of the Italian-American Museum at 155 Mulberry Street was hard to make out under the blanket of bees covering almost one entire side. The museum was closed at the time. It did not appear that anyone had been hurt by the swarm.
Massive Bee Swarm Covers Postal Box in Little ItalyA swarm of bees covers a postal box on Grand and Mulberry streets in Little Italy Tuesday. (DNAinfo/Patrick Hedlund)

Elie Miodownik, of the New York City Beekeepers Association, showed up in full beekeeping regalia ready to scoop the bees up and bring them home, where he said he has a queen bee and a hive waiting.

Miodownik said the bees swarmed to the postal box around noon, and that swarming bees are a common phenomemon this time of year. The bees were still in place around 3 p.m. Tuesday while officials waited for a city beekeeper to arrive, said those on the scene.

"It's a swarm, a natural phenomenon when a beehive gets overcrowded," Miodownik explained, "It tends to happen more in the spring or summertime. It means that there's a beehive within a couple blocks."

Miodownik suspected that the cluster of bees covering the postal box were attending a queen bee, who usually starts the swarm by flying out of the crowded nest and prompting half of her worker bees to follow behind her.

An NYPD beekeeper showed up at the scene around 3:30 p.m. and began inspecting the bees on the side of the post box with Miodownik's help, in search of the queen, they said. The sidewalk was still closed off as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Salt and pepper shakers, well kind off since these are actually mills. These artistic salt and pepper grinders were designed by Ettore Sottsass for Alessi in Italy. Reminds me of his totem sculptures, very nicely done.

Yki Nummi: Sky Flyer modern pendant light by Adelta. The "Sky Flyer" is a classic in the history of modern lighting. The lamp is feautured in numerous museum collections and has been in production since the 1950's. The individual parts of this lamp are completely plain but the combination makes the lamp a timeless classic!

Yki Nummi Skyflyer Lamps from Finland, 1960.

The pendant lamp Skyflyer is one of the best-known designs by Yki Nummi. The Skyflyer lamp was designed in 1960 and was awarded the same year a prize at the Milan Triennal. The Skyflyer, known in Finland also by the name of Lokki (Seagull) is still today very popular.
Yki Nummi Skyflyer Lamp
Available from nova68.com

The Mediterreneo fruit bowl holder was designed by Jewelry designer Emma Silvestris and Laura Polinoro for Alessi in Italy. Fruit looks so inviting in this artfully crafted fruit bowl, you may even find yourself eating more of the healthy stuff. The brilliant Alessi Mediterraneo fruit bowl is finished in 18/10 stainless steel with a sleek mirror polish finish. The Alessi Mediterraneo fruit bowl holder is an eye-catching centerpiece filled or empty! Beauty and design go hand in hand in the attractive design of the Mediterreneo fruit bowl holder. The Alessi Mediterraneo bowl is a beautiful rendering of sea coral as a container. The Mediterraneo fruit bowl holder is an eye-catching centerpiece regardless if it is filled or empty. Pressing the coral shape into a bowl form gives this item style. The mirror polished stainless steel fruit bowl that has laser cut out coral relief shapes is a brilliant gift. Place it on your kitchen or dining table to add glamor and style to your room. Treat yourself or your loved ones, this fruit bowl makes a great wedding gift, housewarming gift, anniversary gift, etc.

A beautiful rendering of sea coral, the Mediterraneo bowl is an eye-catching centerpiece filled or empty. Jewelry designer, Emma Silvestris, came up with the design in 2009. The bowl is crafted of 18/10 stainless steel and coated in epoxy-resin. Available in a choice of colors and sizes, the 8-1/4-inch bowl stands 4 inches high. Pair it with the Mediterraneo napkin holder for a beautiful, well-coordinated table. Peruse the full A di Alessi collection for other artistic, like-minded pieces. The bowl should be hand washed for best care. It makes a great gift for newlyweds or new homeowners.

Another example of a very inventive and inexpensive way to create a modern privacy screen block wall; this design uses just the exact same rectangular shaped screen block in different stacking method! The final result is simply amazing! Someone must have really thought well about this, this screenblock wall is very ingenious. This screen block wall probably dates back to the 1950s, located in Palm Springs, of course.

The LCP Chaise was created by the late Belgian furniture designer Maarten van Severen. Although his life was tragically cut short at the age of 48, Maarten left us with some amazing icons of modern design. Take for example his transparent chair; the Kartell LCP Chaise Lounge. The exquisite "Low Chair Plastic," or LCP, is a remarkable triumph of modern design. This chaise lounge is formed from a single extrusion of clear acrylic plastic which folds back on itself to create its distinctive, curved form. The design is soft, elastic and flexible to yield seating comfort and preserve the integrity of the shape over time. We are so glad that this design by Maarten van Severen is still in production.

With his simple, clear and well thought-out design Maarten van Severen gained international fame and recognition. Maarten van Severen's creations were added to the collections of famous furniture manufacturers like Vitra, Edra and Bulo as well as the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The son of an abstract painter (Dan van Severen), Maarten van Severen chose to study architecture at Ghent's art school Sint-Lucas. In 1989 he produced his first wooden table; long, slim and pure in form. in 1990 he turned his attention to chairs. Chair 03 and 04 were the first chairs to become industrial produced, by Vitra.

Leucos Jelly Fish lamp is a ceiling light fixture and/or wall sconce made with a single piece of glass. The Jelly Fish lamp was named for the translucent shape of a Jellyfish. We love design inspired by nature. Although we are very picky when it comes to approving of new lighting fixtures, we are completely sold on this one. This lamp certainly got our attention with its beautiful gently rounded curves. A perfectly proportioned blown glass ceiling light fixture. This lamp is simply perfect and we will probably be getting one for our entrance hall way. This ceiling lamp really blends in with its environment. The Jelly Fish lamp can be used as a wall lamp or a ceiling lamp. The Jelly Fish 40 lamp was designed by the Rockwell Group for Leucos in Italy.

Mid Century Modern Screen Wall in Palm Springs, even the cars are original 1950s (credit nova68.com).

Only one type of screen block was used (a cut-off number 6 screen block); by rearranging the screen block, someone with a great sense of design was able to create this very unique mid century modern screen wall in Palm Springs (credit nova68.com).

Only one type of screen block was used; by rearranging the screen block, someone with a great sense of design was able to create this very unique mid century modern screen wall in Palm Springs (credit nova68.com).

Mid century modern screen wall in Palm Springs. Only one type of screen block was used (a cut-off number 6 screen block); by rearranging the screen block, someone with a great sense of design was able to create this very unique mid century modern screen wall in Palm Springs. This wall faces an apartment complex directly behind the Caliente Tropics Resort. It is located on 581 E. Twin Palm Drive in Palm Springs California. Dates back to the 1950s (credit nova68.com).

You will notice this mid century modern outdoor wall sconce when you drive around Palm Springs. Many mid century modern houses have these fantastic modern sconces which is still available through nova68.

Shadow Play Series with Modern Architecture. A series is the sum of the terms of a sequence. Finite sequences and series have defined first and last terms, whereas infinite sequences and series continue indefinitely. Coming soon to Art Basel.

The Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas closed down today and marks the end of era. The Sahara Hotel was designed by the Norwegian-born Ragnar Qvale in 1952. The Sahara hosted everyone from Jerry Lewis to Frank Sinatra. Yes, even Elvis Presley and the Beatles. Thank you for the memories Sahara!

From the archives of the Las Vegas Sun Staff
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1952

With the completion of the new five million dollar Hotel Sahara, Milton Prell has added another "jewel of the desert" to the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. Inspiration has been taken from many exotic cultures fringing the African Sahara desert to create in Las Vegas an oasis of modern luxury and comfort.

The attractive structure, outstanding for its modern simplicity and design, and sprawling over 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, represents an innovation in comfortable living. Outstanding exterior features are the broad expanses of white roof, a tremendous entrance pylon and strikingly beautiful marquee.

Structural interior of the administration building were designed by Ragnar Qvale, Los Angeles and his staff of designers and artists. The Qvale organization is also responsible for the decorative murals and the designing of all items such as opening announcements, menu covers, and the uniforms for the people who serve the patrons. A harmony of color and design has been attained, simple, gay, playful - delightfully amusing, and all in keeping with the Sahara theme.

The hotel was furnished throughout by Albert Parvin Company of Los Angeles.

The Sahara consists of 240 rooms, each planned as a home within a hotel; the rooms boast of 48 specially custom-built studios - four types which include 38 full-size bedrooms, three king-size twin bedrooms, 11 types of 143 twin bedrooms, two deluxe suites and two "dignitary" super-deluxe suites. Every room has been specially designed to offer the most in style, combining the best in design and decor, but ever mindful of the ultimate comfort of the guest. All lamps are designed exclusively for Hotel Sahara; all rooms have lined and interlined draperies to exclude any penetration of light during night or day.

There are primarily four styles with 20 to 30 variations in wall colors, drapery colors and wall-paper arrangements. One group of furnishings, very appropriately named "Balihi," is a contemporary style in a light and airy finish which adds color and charm to all rooms be it a studio, twin, or full size arrangement.

Another room style is of contemporary decor in a wheat-finish group of furnishings with all accessories specially designed and arranged to compliment the various pieces of wheat-finished furniture.

Type three consists of a group of rooms with the primary furnishings in a desert grey finish, with all accessories, upholstery and decor tying in with the magnificent specially-created desert grey furnishings contained in these rooms.

Type four is a new contemporary type Ranch Oak group of furnishings with the particular feeling of the new West, finished in a tawny oak color and all accessories and decor an intricate part of the furnishings.

The rooms have basically four different colors of high-textured, round-wire carpeting and have used the emerald greens, the dawn greys, the desert tans and bittersweet cocoa to augment the furnishings.

In special design, thought was given to minute details, even special shower curtain and chenille bath rugs. In all cases, consideration was particularly given as to linens and towels and throughout the entire hotel, nothing but fine Cannon percales are being used for sheets and cases, and the finest of Cannon towels and bath mats have the Sahara crest.

In the suits, particularly the two dignitary suites, Albert Parvin Company's top decorators, Bill Yates and Harry McCague were given the assignments and to forget about all costs and think of nothing but comfort and decor. One suite is in traditional manner, using the modern approach, with French Provincial a the theme. In the bedroom of the suite, they used a king-size 6 x 7 bed and specially hand-tailored spreads and drapes. In the living room, which is primarily a living room, it is furnished to suit the taste of royalty.

In the other dignitary suite, here the contemporary manner was vitally expressed by Yates and McCague and throughout the suite a heavy, creamy-white piled carpet was used, and they again repeated the 6'7 king-sized bed in the bedroom as well as special hand-tailored drapes and bedspread. In the living room, every piece of furniture, lamps and accessories were custom-made and specially designed with the thought in mind of making it "fit for a Queen."

In addition to the two dignitary suites, there are two more living room-bedroom suites styled in a contemporary manner; no detail was overlooked for the guests' comfort.

There are a number of other suites that combine the studio room with the bedroom, making it possible to have as many as four guests in one party accommodated in one suite. The studio living room can be converted into a bedroom.

Truly Las Vegas' most sensational public rooms are Hotel Sahara's two lobbies. One is the reception desk lobby and the other the North entrance lobby, which is primarily for the convenience of the guest to enter from the parking lot.

The spacious and beautifully deigned cocktail lounge and bar, The Casbar; the elaborate casino; "The Congo Room" which is the main dining and supper club, and the Caravan room or coffee shop, all follow the decor and furnishings of the designer. No time, expense or research was spared by Albert Parvin Company in making these rooms refreshing, beautiful and comfortable.

The "Congo Room" is truly taken from the depths of the Sahara, embellished with the feeling of jungle with the ultimate in elegance and comfort. The carpet in this room was exclusively designed and woven for Hotel Sahara. The design is arrows and shields on a blue background with coral, belges and lighter shades of blue woven through the patterns. All of the booths and banquettes are upholstered in a white Palmetto leather-like plastic. All of the dining chairs are upholstered in gold textured fabric and the wood finish is a deep Cordovan. The wall colors are of coral finish, with special hand-painted murals applied, carrying the theme of the Congo. Myriad tropical planting has been carefully installed throughout the entire room and surround the six-foot life-size beautifully plumed Watusi figures.

The Caravan Room, or coffee shop, again expresses careful thought as to design and furnishings. Again specially designed and woven carpet was developed for this room as well as beautifully styled, upholstered chairs, in a natural wheat finish with a lime, textured fabric upholstery reflecting a cool and refreshing feeling where the oasis is an intricate part of the desert. Hand painted murals reflect and indicate why this room is being called "The Caravan."

The cocktail lounge has a unique 85-foot bar with dual purpose. This bar is one of the most unique bars of its kind and is a combination stand-up and sit-down. Near the stage platform in the center of the bar, guests can sit down as they would at a table in the cocktail lounge "date-room" and be entertained with top-flight, nationally known musical groups. On each side of the sit-down section, the arrangement is the regular stand-up size bar so one can view the cocktail lounge as well as the casino.

Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

Metal Sun Screen at the Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

Metal Sun Screen at the Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

Metal Sun Screen at the Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

Metal Sun Screen at the Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

The Palm Springs City Hall is icon of mid century modern architecture. Designed by the architectural team of Albert Frey (Frey, Clark, Chambers, Williams) in 1952. This architecturally significant masterpiece features a very interesting mid century modern screen wall made with metal tubing cut at angles and arranged in columns to block the morning sun.

Metal Sun Screen at the Palm Springs City Hall designed by Albert Frey in 1952 (credit nova68.com).

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, Albert Frey received his architectural training at the Institute of Technology in Winterthur, Switzerland, but it was under his apprenticeship with French architect Le Courbusier that Frey’s fascination with modern building materials and modernist design could be indulged. In 1928, he emigrated to the United States, where, besides publishing numerous articles in Architectural Record about the modernist aesthetic, he and his business partner, A. Lawrence Kocher, produced in 1931 the Aluminaire House, a prefabricated modernist house shown at the Allied Arts and Building Products Exhibition.

In 1935, he moved to Palm Springs to begin working alongside John Porter Clark at the firm of Van Pelt and Lind Architects. Over the rest of his life, he built two homes for himself, numerous residences, but he capitalized best on the various commercial and public buildings that were being erected all over Palm Springs, completing hundreds of projects until his death in 1998. Upon his death, his eponymous industrial-modern home on Palisades Drive behind the Palm Springs Desert Museum was donated to the museum and is occasionally open for tours.
Just a short drive from downtown is the Frey-designed Palm Springs City Hall building, with its interesting yet functional use of metal tubing cut at angles and arranged in columns to block the morning sun. The Swiss-born architect also designed the Movie Colony Hotel, a luxurious getaway that's still open today.

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.

One of our favorite modern sofas, if we only had the place to put it. A classic icon of modern furniture, designed in 1974. The DS-600 aka Non Stop Sofa was designed by the Swiss Designers Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, Klaus Vogt for de Sede in Switzerland. It is still available by special request from Stardust in the US. This ultra modern sofa features modular components: you can zip any number of these sofa components together until you have the longest sofa in the world. That way you can always find a new arrangement for your room. de Sede's own combination of both supportive and down-soft upholstery gives this variable sofa, the legendary de Sede seating comfort.

The DS-600 sofa was photographed by Camilla Akrans for Harper's Bazaar. The model is Angela Lindvall.

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.

And if you happen to have your own castle or palace; here is the look to go for:

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.

The Ultimate Modern Non Stop Sofa: the endless DS-600 Sofa by de Sede from 1974.